Technology is advancing every type of business, and the meat processing industry is not immune to the changes. Practically every piece of equipment on a processing floor has programmable controls easy enough for even the most novice of operators to run. Information is delivered to the main office in real time, so plant managers can easily keep track of how each department is operating and how the machines are running. Tracking orders, inventory management, preventative maintenance, human resources are all areas where data is easier to track than ever before.

The processing plant is affected by technology in other ways, as data loggers, temperature probes and other instrumentation can ensure all processes are being performed within specifications. In-house laboratories can provide immediate information about food safety, fat content and more.

There are many ancillary industries associated with the meat and poultry industry. Services like used equipment vendors, food laboratories, package design firms, employment & recruiter services and equipment auction houses are frequently needed for their specialized services. Architectural and engineering companies are needed whenever a company is expanding its facility or building a new plant from scratch. Consultants can help meat companies with a wide variety of needs, from animal welfare to HACCP programs to food safety and more.

Shipping and distribution services are needed to help packaged meat products reach their final location, whether it is a retail outlet, a distribution center or a restaurant. This category can include trucks and trailers that handle the transportation, warehouses and distribution centers that hold products for further transportation, and the software and logistics services that make the whole distribution process easier.

www.provisoneronline.com   |   APRIL 2022